April 29, 2002, Mill Valley, CA - With the vast majority of California students apathetic about their academic courses, and student health and fitness levels at all-time lows, a Marin-based nonprofit organization will host a public forum to address these issues. The American Sports Institute (ASI) will host the forum at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, at its office in Mill Valley. ASI is dedicated to utilizing the positive aspects of sport culture and a reformed and refurbished approach to physical education to create a learning environment rich in student engagement and physical activity.

Student apathy caught the attention earlier this year of Virginia Strom-Martin, chair of the California State Assembly Education Committee, prompting her to invite ASI to present its model for educational reform to her committee in February. At that hearing, ASI presented research revealing the apathy felt by most middle and high school students, as well as downward trends in the health and fitness levels of students over the last two decades. The Assembly Committee, joined by Senate Education Committee chair John Vasconellos, also heard from school administrators, teachers and students involved in ASI's educational reform programs.

"Creating a classroom environment where our children feel a sense of belonging and where physical and mental health are nurtured will enhance our children's learning ability and enrich their educational experience," Strom-Martin said.
The upcoming forum will also address the emphasis placed on standardized test scores to measure the success of both students and schools. As the emphasis on state testing has grown, so have concerns that students are not being taught in a way where they find meaning and fulfillment in their educational experience. ASI will provide an opportunity for community members to discuss how a shift in focus can help students enhance personal and social skills, improve academic performance, and realize health and fitness gains.

"Our schools are pursuing academic gains that are largely not being realized and often come at the expense of our children's comprehensive health," said Dr. Joel Kirsch, president of the American Sports Institute. "We have developed a balanced and integrated approach to education, one that enriches the body and mind through a more holistic view of learning."

For more information on ASI or its role in helping to reform California's educational system, call 415-383-5750 or email info@amersports.org. ASI's office is located at 116 E. Blithedale Ave. in Mill Valley.

4/02-2.Educ Forum